Industry News

How B.C.'s new union-only construction rules will actually work [Excerpt]

The B.C. government’s announcement this week of new union-only labour rules on building projects sparked a deluge of rhetoric from both advocates and opponents of the change. Here’s how it will actually work:

Q: Do the new rules really force people to join a union to work on the Pattullo Bridge or Kamloops to Alberta highway projects?

A: Yes. All workers on the site will be required to join a union within 30 days, and pay dues. They won’t be able to choose the union, either. The NDP government has a select group under a community benefit agreement with the “Allied Infrastructure and Related Construction Council” — a new organization that acts on behalf of 19 trades unions. If a worker belongs to a non-affiliated union, which isn’t part of the B.C. Building Trades or on that group of 19, they’ll have to register with one of the government-approved unions.

A: That statement, while technically correct, is misleading. Any company — union or non-union — can bid on the contracts. But in reality, whoever wins must allow their employees to join a union. In the case of the Vancouver Island Highway Project in the 1990s, which used the same union-only labour model, 23 of the 49 prime contracts went to non-union contractors.

Q: Will the changes cause projects to cost more?

A: The government acknowledged when the near-identical model was used in the 1990s that the union-only provisions do cost more. But they argued there are corresponding savings, as well as that the model provides more certainty, set costs, fixed wages, apprentice spots, a no-strike promise and other social benefits. “The cost of making sure we’re training the next generation of workers is one I think British Columbians understand,” Horgan said.

A complete, comprehensive and co-ordinated look into improving traffic flow on southern Vancouver Island is the focus of a new transportation strategy being launched by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The end of the year is a joyous time, but for some people it can be difficult. This year, instead of worrying about finding the perfect gift, attending all the parties or pretending everything is perfect, make sure you make time to take care of yourself and put your well-being first.

On the heels of a $62 million federal and provincial grant announcement, the Comox Valley Regional District has issued a Request for Proposals for a design-build contractor to deliver a new water system for Comox Valley residents.

The Canadian Construction Association and 100 of its members are gathering on Parliament Hill today to meet with federal decision makers about the essential role the industry plays in the lives of Canadians.

“CCA has been advocating for prompt payment, accelerated depreciation, support for attracting under-represented segments into construction as well as for increased funding for innovation and infrastructure, ” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president.

Construction activity on Vancouver Island remained active during the July to September 2018 period with the total dollar value of building permits issued reaching $572.8 million — a decrease of 30 per cent over the second quarter of 2018.

The City of Victoria, on behalf of the Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative Steering Committee, is pleased to announce it has awarded a two-year contract to Scale Collaborative, Vancouver Island Construction Association, Buy Social Canada, and Presentations Plus to incubate a two-year Social Procurement Hub for the Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative (CCSPI).

North Island College plumbing apprentice Cassandra Kuryliak is encouraging more women to take up the plumbing trade, just in time for Apprenticeship Recognition Week, November 4 to 10 in British Columbia.

Over here at the Construction Association, we take full advantage of every opportunity to play dress up and act out of character, while still getting our jobs done. Some of us are super...and some of us are super twisted. We love seeing our members showing their spirited side as well!

It's a hidden problem with deadly consequences. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the construction industry in men aged 25 to 59, and the highest rates are men from 40 to 59, according to a presentation at BCCSA's Bridging the Gap Safety Conference.

The legislation is intended to recognize the important role foreign workers have in B.C.’s growing economy. While most employers and recruiters are committed to treating foreign nationals fairly, there are some who require closer scrutiny and enforcement action. In 2017, there were 47,620 work permits issued for foreign workers destined for B.C. The third largest sector is accommodation and food services (8%), followed by construction (6%) and manufacturing (5%).

We're super proud of the work that Paul Latour and his team at HeroWork, our neighbours downstairs, do out in the community and are thrilled to see involvement from our members in their many projects. Shout-out to those who helped out in their latest radical renovation for The Mustard Seed Street Church.

Kwispaa LNG has entered the next phase of project development with the submission of the Project Description to the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

IBM’s Watson supercomputer has beat Jeopardy champions, reconstituted recipes, and even helped create highlight reels for the World Cup. Now it’s taking on a new tech challenge; changing how the construction industry operates.

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